Mercedes Driver Assist: Hands-Off Demo Will Amaze You!
The evolution of driver assistance systems has been remarkable. While the debate over the first adaptive cruise control continues, Mercedes-Benz points to its 1999 S-Class as a pivotal moment. This wasn't just about maintaining speed; it was about reacting to traffic, creating the first partially automated vehicle. From lane-keeping assist to GPS-geofenced systems, the automotive industry has steadily increased automation, primarily on highways. But the ultimate goal is to reduce the driver's workload in all scenarios – including city streets. Mercedes’ latest Drive Assist Pro aims to achieve just that, and recent demonstrations in downtown San Francisco suggest it’s a significant step forward.
CLA Takes the Lead
Traditionally, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been the showcase for the brand’s cutting-edge technology. However, this time, the CLA is leading the charge. In December, we experienced the production version of this entry-level EV, priced under $50,000. The sleek CLA sedan (or four-door coupé) already features the current Drive Assist suite, offering improved braking and deceleration control. A notable enhancement is the ability to use the brake pedal lightly while adaptive cruise control is active without disengaging the system.
This collaborative approach between driver and car is central to Drive Assist Pro. When a destination is entered, the system anticipates lane requirements and accurately identifies stop signs and traffic lights. It even detects and slows for speed bumps. During a 20-minute test drive through the busy streets of San Francisco, the engineer at the wheel didn’t need to intervene once. While some demos encountered issues with human crosswalk attendants, the system generally performed flawlessly.
The CLA maintained safe and legal speeds, navigated construction zones effectively, and even handled the common urban challenge of double-parked cars. The system’s deliberate, complete stops at stop signs, while safe, might frustrate impatient drivers accustomed to a “California stop.”
The Power of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV)
The capabilities of Drive Assist Pro are enabled by the CLA being a software-defined vehicle (SDV). Instead of relying on numerous individual electronic control units, the car is powered by four high-performance computers. One of these computers is an Nvidia Orin, responsible for perception and path planning.
“We completely elevated our autonomous driving stack. It is no longer on a rule-based stack,” explains Magnus Östberg, Chief Software Officer at Mercedes-Benz. “Now it uses an end-to-end AI model, which of course is giving you some basic advantages. When it comes to parking, for example, [it offers] much faster navigation of parking lots…, moving in and out of the parking lots, but also already you find… how it’s on the highway and how it actually follows the lane and moving across it.”
Beyond Level 2: A Step Towards Full Automation
Despite the seamless experience, the driver remains ultimately in control. While the SAE levels of automation can be debated, Drive Assist Pro falls into what engineers might call “level 2++.” This is a step beyond geofenced systems like Super Cruise and distinct from Mercedes’ true Level 3 Drive Pilot, currently limited to Nevada and California freeways in low-speed traffic jams.
The functionality is reminiscent of Tesla’s driver assist, which has long aimed for point-to-point autonomous travel. However, Mercedes-Benz prioritizes safety with a fundamentally different approach. Unlike systems relying solely on cameras, Mercedes employs redundant sensor modalities. The AI model tokenizes input and output trajectories, and a rules-based safety guardrail ensures any AI errors are caught before they impact driving. There’s no “mad max” mode to exceed speed limits, a contrast to some camera-only systems.
Key Features of Mercedes Drive Assist Pro:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go: Maintains speed and distance, even in stop-and-go traffic.
- Lane Keeping Assist: Keeps the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Traffic Light Recognition: Identifies and reacts to traffic lights.
- Stop Sign Recognition: Detects and stops for stop signs.
- Speed Bump Detection: Slows down for speed bumps.
- Automated Lane Change: Initiates lane changes with driver confirmation (future implementation).
Global Rollout and Future Implications
Mercedes-Benz has already launched Drive Assist Pro in China and has completed safety certification for the US market. It’s expected to arrive in the CLA and other Mercedes vehicles later this year as part of their SDV upgrades during midlife refreshes. Europe will require regulatory changes before the system can be deployed.
The development of Drive Assist Pro represents a significant advancement in driver assistance technology. It’s not just about automating tasks; it’s about creating a more relaxed and safer driving experience. The shift towards software-defined vehicles is crucial, allowing for continuous improvement and the addition of new features through over-the-air updates. This approach positions Mercedes-Benz at the forefront of the autonomous driving revolution, offering a compelling alternative to competitors like Tesla and paving the way for a future where driving is less stressful and more enjoyable. The integration of AI, redundant sensors, and a robust safety framework demonstrates a commitment to responsible innovation, ensuring that technology enhances, rather than compromises, driver safety. The future of driving, as showcased by the Mercedes Driver Assist Pro, is undeniably hands-off, but always with a watchful eye on safety.
The automotive industry is rapidly evolving, and staying informed about the latest advancements is crucial. Resources like GearTech provide valuable insights into the world of automotive technology, helping consumers and enthusiasts alike understand the innovations shaping the future of transportation. Keep an eye on Mercedes-Benz and other leading automakers as they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with driver assistance systems.